Also this week, news have emerged on an electroadhesive robotic gripper developed by a group of researchers from the nonprofit scientific research institute SRI. Electroadhesion uses small, high-voltage electrodes to induce an opposite, and hence attractive charge in an object surface.

As shown previously by the SRI, it is powerful and power-efficient: A square meter of electroadhesive could hold at least 200kg (440 lbs) while only consuming 40 milli-Watts. In its new work, the SRI has integrated this principle into general-purpose, highly-compliant electroadhesive pads.